History of Chicago Sky in Timeline

The Chicago Sky is a professional women's basketball team based in Chicago, competing in the WNBA's Eastern Conference since 2006. They had successful runs from 2013-2016 with four playoff appearances, including a WNBA Finals appearance in 2014, and again from 2019-2022. The Sky won their first WNBA championship in 2021.

February 2005: Chicago Awarded WNBA Franchise

In February 2005, NBA Commissioner David Stern announced that Chicago had been awarded a new WNBA franchise, temporarily named WNBA Chicago, marking the beginning of the team's formation.

May 27, 2005: Dave Cowens Announced as Head Coach and General Manager

On May 27, 2005, Dave Cowens, former NBA player and coach, was announced as the Chicago Sky's first head coach and general manager, setting the stage for the team's leadership.

September 20, 2005: Team Name and Logo Debut

On September 20, 2005, the team name "Chicago Sky" and logo were formally introduced at an event held at the Adler Planetarium, along with the team colors representing the Chicago skyline. The event included appearances from star players such as Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird.

November 2005: Expansion Draft

In November 2005, the Chicago Sky held an expansion draft to build its roster, selecting players like Brooke Wyckoff, Bernadette Ngoyisa, and Elaine Powell.

February 28, 2006: Minority Shareholders Announced

On February 28, 2006, the Chicago Sky announced that Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child and Mathew Knowles, father of Beyoncé Knowles, were minority shareholders.

December 12, 2006: Bo Overton Named New Head Coach and General Manager

On December 12, 2006, Bo Overton was named the Sky's new head coach and general manager after Dave Cowens resigned.

2006: Chicago Sky Franchise Founded

Prior to the 2006 WNBA season, the Chicago Sky franchise was founded, marking the beginning of their journey in the Women's National Basketball Association.

2007: Armintie Price Named Rookie of the Year

In the 2007 season, Armintie Price was named the WNBA Rookie of the Year, despite the team finishing with a 14–20 record.

March 12, 2008: Overton Resigns, Key Named Head Coach/General Manager

On March 12, 2008, Bo Overton resigned as coach/general manager amid harassment allegations, and assistant coach Steven Key was named the new head coach/general manager.

2008: Radio Broadcast Ended

In 2008, WVON-AM 1690 stopped broadcasting Chicago Sky games due to a financial disagreement. The online broadcast of home games also ceased after the 2008 season.

2008: Sylvia Fowles Drafted

In the 2008 WNBA draft, the Chicago Sky selected Sylvia Fowles with the second overall pick, however, the Sky failed to make the playoffs.

2009: Kristi Toliver Drafted

In the 2009 WNBA draft, the Chicago Sky selected point guard Kristi Toliver with the third overall pick, however, the Sky finished with a record of 16-18 and lost a three-team tiebreaker.

October 28, 2010: Pokey Chatman Replaces Key

On October 28, 2010, Pokey Chatman replaced Steven Key as general manager and coach for the Chicago Sky.

2011: Courtney Vandersloot Drafted

In the 2011 WNBA draft, the Sky selected Courtney Vandersloot as the third overall pick and Sylvia Fowles was named Defensive Player of the Year.

2012: Sky Add Experience Before Season

Before the 2012 season, the Sky focused on adding more experience, signing former champions Ticha Penicheiro and Ruth Riley, and trading the second pick in the 2012 WNBA draft in exchange for Swin Cash and Le'Coe Willingham.

2013: Turning Point Season

The 2013 season was a turning point for the Sky; Elena Delle Donne was drafted, the team made the playoffs for the first time, Delle Donne was named Rookie of the Year, Fowles was named Defensive Player of the Year, and Cash received the Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award.

2014: WNBA Finals Appearance

In 2014, the Chicago Sky reached the WNBA Finals after a period of success from 2013, marking a significant milestone in the team's history.

February 2015: Cappie Pondexter Acquired

In February 2015, the Sky acquired Chicago native Cappie Pondexter from the New York Liberty in a trade for Prince.

December 6, 2016: Amber Stocks Hired

On December 6, 2016, Amber Stocks was hired as head coach and general manager for the Chicago Sky.

2016: Sky Return to Playoffs

In the 2016 season, the Sky finished 4th in the league and returned to the playoffs, but lost in the semifinals to the Los Angeles Sparks.

2016: League Standing

Starting in 2016, tracking of the Chicago Sky's league standings began.

2017: Vandersloot Sets Assist Record

During the 2017 season, Courtney Vandersloot led the league in assists, setting a new assists-per-game record.

2017: Sky Miss Playoffs

In the 2017 season, the Sky posted a 12–22 record and missed the playoffs for the first time in five seasons.

August 31, 2018: Stocks Relieved as Head Coach and General Manager

On August 31, 2018, the Sky relieved Amber Stocks as head coach and general manager.

November 2018: James Wade Hired

In November 2018, James Wade was hired as the team's new head coach and general manager.

2019: Playoff Appearance and Wade Receives Coach of the Year Award

In 2019, the Sky finished with a 20–14 record and entered the playoffs as a fifth seed; James Wade received the Coach of the Year Award, and Vandersloot exceeded her own assists-per-game record.

2020: Shortened Season in Bradenton

In the 2020 season, which was shortened and held in a bubble in Bradenton, Florida due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sky ended the season with a sixth-seeded 12–10 record.

February 1, 2021: Candace Parker Signs with the Sky

On February 1, 2021, the Sky announced the signing of free agent Candace Parker, who wanted to return to her hometown team.

October 17, 2021: Chicago Sky Win WNBA Championship

On October 17, 2021, the Chicago Sky won their first WNBA Championship, defeating the Phoenix Mercury 3–1 in the 2021 WNBA Finals.

October 19, 2021: Championship Parade and Rally

On October 19, 2021, a parade and rally were held to celebrate the Chicago Sky's WNBA Championship win.

2021: WNBA Championship

The Chicago Sky won their first WNBA championship in 2021, marking a significant achievement after a successful period from 2019 to 2022.

2022: Continued Success

In the 2022 season, the Sky posted a 26–10 record and earned the second seed. The Sky also appeared in the WNBA Commissioner's Cup, hosting the game but losing to the Las Vegas Aces.

October 2023: New Head Coach and General Manager Named

In October 2023, Teresa Weatherspoon was named the new head coach and Jeff Pagliocca as the new general manager for the Sky.

2023: Significant Changes and Wade Resignation

The 2023 season marked a period of significant change, with many longtime players departing in free agency. In July, head coach James Wade announced his resignation.

August 26, 2024: Introduction of Skye the Lioness

On August 26, 2024, the Chicago Sky introduced Skye the Lioness as their new mascot, replacing “Sky Guy”.

August 28, 2024: Skye the Lioness' Debut Game

On August 28, 2024, Skye the Lioness made its debut at the Wintrust arena. Sky Guy, the team's legacy mascot, remained to support Skye's debut through the 2024 season.